Page 13 of Fore-Ever Yours

Anita offers me a warm smile, and I return it with a polite one of my own.

“We brought home some treats.” Anita holds up a bag. “Matthew, care to join us for dessert?”

“Oh, Matthew was about to leave, Mama.”

“I’m sure he can stay for a few minutes,” her father replies as he stares at me.

I swallow. “Absolutely, sir.”

Beth gives me an apologetic look. I guess we can check “meeting the parents” off the list. Hopefully, I’ll survive the task.

Chapter 5

Beth

“So,”Mamastandsinthe kitchen with her hand on her hip, “when were you planning on telling us you’re datin’ someone, hmm? First, I had to hear gossip about some man with his hands around you from Clarabelle, and now, you’re sneaking him out before we even get to meet him?”

“Mama, I wasn’t sneaking him out,” I respond in a hushed tone. “He just stopped by for a minute and…” I glance behind us at the kitchen table where Matthew and my dad are sitting.

“Oh, honey, you know I’m kidding!” She begins laughing. “I want to hear everything. He’s a cutie. How did y’all meet?”

“Okay, but after we rescue him from Daddy. Look at him.”

My dad has his arms crossed, leaning back against the chair, holding a straight, stern face while Matthew’s leg bounces nervously underneath the table.

“Daddy’s scaring him.”

“Alright, come on.” She grabs the tray of goodies and walks toward the table. “Here we are,” she says brightly as she sets down the tray.

I sit next to Matthew and reach for his hand underneath the table. He looks at me, and I give a reassuring smile. The poor guy didn’t ask for a stare down. And I didn’t get to warn him that Daddy is all bark and no bite. I’ve never brought a guy home before, but he’s a literal cinnamon roll, sweet as can be. Right now, he’s just putting on a show.

“Try this one. It’s my favorite.” I hand him a chocolate eclair.

“So, Matthew, tell us how you met our little girl,” Mama asks.

Matthew freezes for a moment, his gaze darting to me. For a moment, I see a flash of panic, as if he wants nothing more than to leap up and bolt out the door. We didn’t get a chance to discuss our cover story yet. He takes a bite of the eclair for refuge.

“We sort of bumped into each other,” I say, shrugging. I’m a terrible liar, and they’re gonna find out if I don’t choose my words carefully.Find words that aren’t a lie.“In a coffee shop.”

Matthew swallows. “And I couldn’t believe how little coffee she takes with her sugar.”

I shoot my eyes at him. “Well, at least mine isn’t plain black. Gross.”

Matthew chuckles, shaking his head. “Some of us appreciate the real taste of coffee.”

“See, Beth. Someone who drinks actual coffee instead of turning it into a dessert.” Daddy grins at me.

Mama clears her throat, failing miserably to hide her giddy smile. “Matthew, what is it you do?”

“I’m a golfer.”

“Really?” Daddy perks up at that. His previous stern demeanor seems to be slowly melting away.

“Yes, sir. I turned pro right after college.”

“Played a bit in my younger days. We’ll have to play a round soon.”

“I’d be honored,” Matthew replies graciously. He looks at me then, a small smile tugging at his lips. I can’t help but return it.

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